Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Materials

Chemistry In Pictures

Chemistry in Pictures: New day for dirigibles?

by Craig Bettenhausen
September 17, 2020

A modern passenger blimp in a test flight.
Credit: Hybrid Air Vehicles

Steampunk fans rejoice! Starting in 2024, you’ll be able to survey London while sipping a cocktail in the cabin of a blimp, if this UK firm gets its way. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) recently raised $2 million to commercialize its helium zeppelin, the Airlander 10. The hull is a laminated fabric supported by carbon fiber and fiberglass skeletons. Filled with helium, it’s just barely heavier than air overall. HAV says it expects to have zeppelins in commercial service starting in 2024, and test flights like the one shown are already underway. Pass me an angostura sour and a monocle.

Worried about the helium shortage? HAV says 600 of it’s blimps would need 1% of the world’s helium supply. But that shortage may not be happening anyway. Look for an episode of C&EN’s Speaking of Chemistry in October all about helium shortages and the scientific response to them.

Credit: Hybrid Air Vehicles

Do science. Take pictures. Win money. Enter our photo contest here.

Click here to see more Chemistry in Pictures.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.